Agent for Patriots WR N’Keal Harry requests trade in statement
Jamal Tooson, agent for Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry, has formally requested a trade for his client through a new statement. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network first reported Tooson’s statement via Twitter on Tuesday.
“Following numerous conversations with the Patriots, I believe it’s time for a fresh start and best for both parties if N’Keal moves on before the start of training camp [July 28],” Tooson’s statement reads. “That is why I have informed the Patriots today I am formally requesting a trade on behalf of my client.”
Harry, 23, played only 21 games and started only 14 of them over his first two seasons with the Patriots, who drafted him 32nd overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s produced only 45 catches, 414 receiving yards, and four touchdown catches in that span.
Tooson’s statement began: “For the past several months, I have been working in cooperation with the Patriots behind the scenes to put a plan in place to allow N’Keal to thrive in New England. Through two seasons, he has 86 targets (sic), which obviously hasn’t met the expectations the Patriots and N’Keal had when they drafted a dominant downfield threat who was virtually unstoppable at the point of attack in college.”
Harry actually had 81 targets through the air in 2019 and 2020, and 88 total touches.
The Patriots added Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne via free agency earlier in the offseason. Those additions, coupled with Jakobi Meyers’ rise to the top of the snap counts at wide receiver, have pushed Harry down the depth chart. All-Pro punt returner Gunner Olszewski is also a virtual lock to make the Patriots’ 53-man roster for 2021, while special teams captain Matthew Slater is usually listed at WR.
Healthy veterans are expected to report to Patriots training camp on Wednesday, July 28. That should mark the unofficial deadline for the Patriots to trade Harry, if his and Tooson’s demands are met.
MORE: Barth’s Takeaways From Patriots Minicamp
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].
